Comparison between hybrid moving bed biofilm reactor and activated sludge system: a pilot plant experiment

摘要

The paper presents the comparison between the traditional activated sludge system (AS) and anhybrid moving bed biofilm reactor (HMBBR). In particular, an experimental campaign has beenncarried out at the WWTP in Palermo (Italy), on a pilot plant consisting of two pre-anoxic schemes.nThe aerated tank of the HMBBR line was filled with suspended carriers (AnoxKaldnesY K1), with an30% filling ratio. The hydraulic load of the HMBBR line was increased up to two times the AS one.nFurther, in order to distinguish the additional contribution of the attached biomass for the HMBBRnsystem, in the two lines the Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS) was maintained as equal asnpossible. The monitoring period lasted three months during which several parameters werenmonitored. The obtained results showed a good treatment ability of the HMBBR system, referringnto the organic matter removal as well as to the ammonium removal. In particular, in spite ofnthe increase of the hydraulic load for the HMBBR line, the two systems showed a similarnperformance in terms of both organic and nitrogen removal. The results demonstrate the higherntreatment capacity of the HMBBR addressing such system as an effective technology for thenupgrading of overloaded wastewater treatment plants.